Havana and Matanzas, Cuba 1957: Bata, Bembe and Palo

Recorded in the late '50s by , the daughter of a rich family who became an eminent folklorist and ethnomusicologist in Cuba, is a really remarkable collection of music. Recorded in both Havana and the more rural area of Matanzas, this is a fascinating portrait of mostly ritual music. It's worthwhile for alone, continuing the Yoruba tradition in Cuba on the bata drums. Much of the material is vocal, songs to various deities, beautifully recorded (and remastered) to offer the full perspective of ceremonies that really were a part of everyday life. While much of the material is praise songs of the Lukumi and Arara cultures, some is devoted to songs of the Kongo and the Nyong, also an important part of the spectrum. A fascinating look at a culture, just before it changed with the Cuban revolution, historically and socially important. ~ Chris Nickson